Father of former captive soldier Gilad Shalit announces his intention to join Labor Party in next Knesset elections; says he wishes to serve the people, Labor is his 'natural home'

Attila Somfalvi|Published: 01.09.12 , 17:01

After Yair Lapid's political bomb,
today it was the turn of Noam Shalit.
Shalit announced on Monday that he had told Labor Party
Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich of his decision to seek a slot on Labor's roster in the next general elections.

The father of former captive soldier Gilad Shalit
said that after years of carrying on a public struggle, where he acquired in-depth knowledge of Israeli society, he now wishes to serve the public.

Yachimovich welcomed Shalit's decision: "The struggle of Noam and his family to bring about the release of Gilad has become a struggle over the values of Israeli society and a prime example of a restrained and worthy public struggle."

According to the chairwoman, "Israeli society united around these shared values. Noam has been a Labor Party man for many years and I am convinced that he will greatly contribute to Labor as a Knesset Member."

Over the long years during which Gilad was held in Hamas
captivity, the Shalit family ran a massive campaign for his release the often included various social activities and dialogue with political officials. Shalit has frequently expressed his discomfort over the level of exposure his family has had to endure.

NoamShalit(Photo: GilYohanan)

He recently quit his job at Iscar and announced his intentions to act within the public sphere.

In an announcement by the Labor Party, Shalit said that he "sought to be in a position from which he could influence the shape of Israeli society.

"The Labor Party is a social-democratic party that seeks peace which is why it is my natural home. I believe that under Shelley Yachimovich's leadership the Labor Party can lead moves that are important for Israeli society."

Shalit will not need to join the party as he has already been a member since 1996.